Inspector Gadget: Canon i70 bubble-jet printer

No matter how much the desk space, there never seems to be enough for computer, keyboard, printer, scanner and all the other attachments.

Ways to make more economical use of space pose problems for both desk and equipment maker. One solution, at least for printer space, could be the latest Canon i70 bubble-jet printer. It is about 40pc smaller than its peers and offers high-quality colour printing at resolutions of up to 4800x1200 dots per inch.

Not only is the i70 petite - ideal for printing on the move - it also has eye-catching looks. It measures just 310 x 174 x 52mm and weighs 1.8Kg.

The paper tray holds up to 30 sheets and, as well as normal A4 size, the i70 can print on letter, legal and custom-size paper and envelopes.

As the printer has three motors, it can churn out pages at a rate of 13 a minute for black and white, and nine for colour. The i70 can also print to the whole A4, 5x7 and 4x6 paper sizes, so there will not be any borders.

With a Canon digital camera, users can print direct from the printer without the need to switch on the computer.

The colour-ink cartridge lasts for about 100 pages, and the black-and-white cartridge prints up to 390 pages. The i70 connects to computers via the USB port and costs £215 with VAT.